Laos: Sunrises & Street Food ,Laos – 9 Days

The tour “Laos: Sunrises & Street Food” starts from Vientiane and ends in Chiang Mai. This is a countryside and village visits trip that takes 9 days taking you through Vientiane, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai and 3 other destinations in Thailand and Laos. This is a guided small group tour that includes accommodation, transport, meals and others.
Now’s the time for adventure on your terms with this tour of Laos that’s affordable for young travellers. Explore countryside caves by bike in Vang Vieng, go back in time in the ancient city of Luang Prabang, and watch local life unfold on the Mekong. It’s some of the best of Southeast Asia, all in one place. Take it all on with new friends, new places, and new must-sees and -dos to share back home.

Day 1

Arrive at any time and welcome to Vientiane, Laos’ laid-back capital.

After meeting your CEO and fellow travellers this evening, wander through the bustling night market along the Mekong River. Pick up a street beer or tea as you browse through the stalls of souvenirs and local delicacies. Follow your CEO to grab the best street food — or, you know, follow your nose.

ACCOMODATION

  • City Inn Vientiane (or similar)

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

  • Meet Your CEO and GroupDuration : hr
  • Connect With New Friends

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Wat Pha That Luang Visit
    See Laos’ national symbol and most important sacred monument, Pha That Luang (Great Stupa), completely covered in gold leaf. Every November, devoted Buddhists come here to celebrate Vientiane’s most important festival, Bun That Luang, with parades, music, and religious ceremonies.

Day 3

Get the most out of Vang Vieng with a Day to freely explore. Check out the caves by bicycle or trek through the countryside. Choose to kayak through Tham None cave and venture to the Blue Lagoon by booking the adrenaline bundle.
Pre-book the “Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle” on the checkout page ahead of time to include this excitement on your tour.

MEAL

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Hiking
    Set off along the banks of the river to explore nearby caves, countryside and meet local villagers to find out more about their way of life.
  • Caving
    Explore some of the many caves in the area. Some have lagoons for tubing in the dark or smooth terrain perfect for walking through. Ask your CEO for recommendations on which cave to visit for the best time.
  • Bike Rental
    Rent a bike and explore the countryside.
  • Kayaking
    Explore the stunning landscape of Vang Vieng by kayak, a great way to see the caves and wildlife in the area.
  • Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle
    None

Day 5

Skip sleeping in to watch the monks walk through town before dawn. Dressed in saffron robes, they receive daily alms from local residents. Then, visit the Kuang Si waterfalls on a guided excursion before free time in the evening.

Traditional Laotian culture involves giving daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. Should you rise early, you’ll get to watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos.

MEAL

  • Breakfast

ACCOMODATION

  • Treasure Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

  • Kuang Si Waterfalls Excursion

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Phousi Temple Visit
    Climb more than 300 steps to the top of Mount Phou Si for a panoramic view of the sunset over Luang Prabang. Ornate Buddhist shrines dot the pathway up and the glistening seven-tiered golden pagoda of Wat Chom Si awaits at the summit.
  • Royal Palace Museum Visit
    The ornate rooms of this royal palace-turned-museum house the country’s crown jewels, many religious artifacts, and a 50kg (110 lb) Buddha, cast of gold, silver and bronze. Gifts from visiting heads of state are on display, as are the beautiful silk screens crafted by the Queen.
  • Wat Xien Thong Visit
    Once a royal temple where Kings were crowned, the importance of this 16th-century Buddhist temple as a religious monastery is not lost on visitors. Wat Xieng Thong stands resplendent among shrines, pavilions, chapels, towers and gardens, and its gilded wooden doors, mosaics, and ceiling displays are representative of typical Laos art and craft.
  • Wat Visoun Temples Visit
    Originally built in 1513 and still operational, Wat Visoun is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple. Over the years invaders stole many of its priceless Buddha images, but this temple still offers some unusual architecture like the domed lotus flower stupa, designed by a royal and affectionately called “The Watermelon Stupa.”
  • Cooking Class
    Enjoy the sights and smells of fresh produce, local spices and exotic ingredients and learn the secrets of Laotian cuisine.
  • Royal Ballet Theatre
    Enjoy a traditional performance at the Royal Ballet Theatre and learn more about Laotian culture through the art of dance.
  • Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Entry
  • Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre Visit
    Visit Ock Pop Tok “East Meets West” Living Crafts Centre on the banks of the Mekong River to learn from artisans about Laos handicrafts and the importance of woven textiles in Laos culture. Opt to enjoy a drink in the cafe.
  • Sunrise Alms-giving
    Rise early and watch the daily dawn ceremony of saffron-robed monks walking through town to receive alms from local residents. Residents prepare food for the monks to subsist on. Seeing this custom is a beautiful way to gain some insight into the local culture and Buddhist religion. Please be respectful and quietly observe.

 

Day 7

New Day, same magnificent Mekong. ToDay’s your second travel Day, where you’ll cross into Thailand arriving in Chiang Khong by the later afternoon. Sit back, relax, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and enjoy the scenic ride.

MEAL

  • Breakfast and Lunch

ACCOMODATION

  • Namkhong Guesthouse (or similar)

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

  • Mekong River Slow BoatDuration : hr – hr
  • Border Crossing (Laos – Thailand)

Day 9

ToDay, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. Depart at any time.

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

  • Departure Day

Day 2

  • Travel to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts and the Song River. Take a guided hike to a famous local view point for incredible views of the valley — no filter necessary. This evening, enjoy a drink on us to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!

    MEAL

    • Breakfast

    TRANSPORT

    • Private VehicleDuration : hr – hr

    INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

    • Vang Vieng Guided HikeDuration : hr – hr
    • Vang Vieng Nightlife

Day 4

  • Continue to colourful Luang Prabang and make your first acquaintance with this ancient city during an afternoon orientation walk. Afterward, embark on a short trek up sacred Mount Phousi, climbing the stone stairs with scaly golden handrails, past the monks quarters and Buddha’s footprint cave, to reach the temple at the top – Wat Phousi. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sun setting upon Luang Prabang and the Mekong River before an evening street food crawl.

    MEAL

    • Breakfast

    ACCOMODATION

    • Treasure Hotel (or similar)

    TRANSPORT

    • Private VehicleDuration : hr

    INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

    • Orientation WalkDuration : hr – hr
    • Street Food CrawlDuration : hr – hr
    • Sunset at Wat Phousi

Day 6

  • The Mekong never looked so welcoming. Board a long, cozy houseboat that will take you on a two-Day journey up the Mekong River en route to Chiang Khong in Thailand. ToDay, cruise to a village homestay for the night, experience a Baci welcome ceremony, and enjoy dinner with your hosts.

    MEAL

    • Breakfast and Dinner

    ACCOMODATION

    • Homestay Pakbeng (or similar)

    INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

    • Mekong River Slow BoatDuration : hr – hr
    • Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony

Day 8

  • Take in the rolling countryside views on the drive to Chiang Mai nestled alongside Thailand’s northern mountains. Spend the afternoon getting to know this peaceful city known for traditional markets and glorious temples. Choose to visit Doi Suthep, catch a Thai boxing match, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.

    ACCOMODATION

    • Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)

    TRANSPORT

    • Private VehicleDuration : hr – hr

    OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

    • Northern Thai Cooking Class
      Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice.
    • Muay Thai Fight
    • Doi Suthep Temple Visit
    • Massage (Southeast Asia)
      Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don’t miss out.
    • Night Market
      Pick up a a souvenir at this shopper’s paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts.
    • Chiang Mai Cycling Tour
      2-3 hours of biking
    • Khantoke Dinner and Show
      Enjoy dinner northern Khantok style, with local entertainment. The main dishes on the Khantok usually include sticky rice, Hang-le curry (Burmese-styled curry), and some chilli pasted with crispy pork.